Environmental Health – LWV DelCo Environmental Clearinghouse

Public has until Sept. 2 to comment on DOE report finding increased CO2 is ‘greening the planet’

The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking public comment on its 151-page draft report finding that increased concentrations of CO2 emissions will contribute to the “greening of the planet” and make the oceans more acidic, but it is uncertain what negative affects, such as extreme weather and destruction of coral reefs, will have in coming decades. Read the Federal register announcement, the report and the critical comments of several climate scientists below.

Listen to NPR podcast with author of Johns Hopkins study of Chester air pollution

A study conducted by a group of Johns Hopkins researchers along the Delaware River industrial corridor found that “fence line” residents are at higher risk for multiple health problems because of the toxic mix of air they breathe. Lead author Dr. Keeve Nachman joined NPR Living on Earth Host Paloma Beltran to walk through the study. At right is the mobile testing van the researchers used. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.

Let’s Go to Harrisburg Sept. 29 for Environment Lobby Day

Join PennFuture and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania in an environment lobby day Sept. 29 at the capitol in Harrisburg. With the federal government clawing back,funding and cancelling clean energy programs, we have to depend on state government more than ever. Anyone can join. Fill out the registration form at bottom.

Earth Justice fights back against EPA repeal of crucial climate rule

The Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a proposal to revoke the endangerment finding. The proposal relies on misinterpretations of the law and recent cases, fringe science, and tortured cost analysis to justify a conclusion that the EPA cannot and should not regulate greenhouse gases (GHG). The EPA has to take public comment. You have until Sept. 15 to make your voice heard. See how to comment at bottom of article.

Trump killing Solar for All just as it starts to deliver

The Solar for All program being actively developed by state agencies, municipalities, tribal governments, and nonprofits that received hundreds of millions of dollars in grants are in jeopardy. The Environmental Protection Agency, which administers the grant program, is preparing to send letters to all 60 awardees informing them that their funding will be terminated, according to news reports this week citing anonymous sources.

Watch Delaware Riverkeepers’ webinar on the dangers of shipping LNG by rail

Please watch the recording of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network’s recent webinar on the dangers of shipping LNG by rail and send your comments to the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration at the links below. Click on “Read More” to get the link to the recording. Feel free to share the recording to spread the word.

Solar for Schools program is endangered by state, federal cuts; Upper Darby could lose $2.3 million

A popular, bipartisan program that has committed millions of dollars to help Pennsylvania schools lower energy costs by installing solar panels is slated to lose access to a key federal tax credit — and schools could have to scuttle or downsize their plans as a result. Upper Darby School District had been awarded the largest grant in the state, $2.3 million for six schools.

PA ‘Energy Summit’ projects don’t include a Delaware River LNG terminal; opponents remain vigilant

While President Donald Trump, Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick were busy at one end of the state on Tuesday, July 15, holding a “Pennsylvania Energy Summit,” environmental groups were busy at the other end of the state drumming up opposition to a proposed LNG export terminal anywhere along the Delaware County expanse of the Delaware Riverfront.

Environmentalists sue EPA to reassess a toxic chemical used at Monroe Energy

If highly reactive hydrofluoric acid (HF) was released from the Monroe Energy refinery in Trainer, it could form a ground-hugging cloud extending up to 17 miles and affecting as many as 1.9 million people in addition to delicate ecosystems nearby. HF attacks the human body causing burns, organ damage and death, a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims.

Years After Fracking Report, Public Health Goals Largely Unmet

Five years after a grand jury report on the environmental harms caused by fracking, progress on its recommendations has been minimal, according to five environmental nonprofits.